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Debunking Untrue Ideas About Cruising

Many people have pre-conceived notions of what it’s like to go on a cruise. And until you try a cruise for yourself, it’s hard to know what you’re getting into.

Sure, our ships are more intimate, our ports are more diverse, the food is tastier, and alcohol is included in the price of your voyage…but the real difference is something we call Destination Immersion®. On every Azamara voyage, we spend more time in port so you have a proper chance to not only explore each awe-inspiring destination, but to fall in love with them, too. On 100% of our voyages you get to stay longer and experience more, and our Cruise Global, Connect Local℠ shore excursions bring you to the heart of local life and culture like never before. This means everywhere you travel with us, you can live like a local and have a more authentic experience.

Below we’ll share some popular cruise myths, and the ways in which an Azamara cruise is anything but typical.

Myth: Cruises are too crowded.

Reality: With Azamara’s two 686-guest club-like ships, the Azamara Journey® and the Azamara Quest®, you can enjoy a more intimate onboard experience. And because our ships are smaller, we can dock in ports where other ships can’t. This means whether you’re on land or at sea, you’ll never have to feel like you’re lacking a little extra elbowroom.

But better safe than sorry we say, so Azamara has a few additional procedures in place to help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Our crew uses a 'fist-bump' rather than a more traditional handshake to greet passengers. This allows our crew to still provide a friendly greeting while at the same time limiting the spread of germs and bacteria.

Another way we work to maintain high standards of hygiene is through serving guests from the buffet on the first day of the cruise. This ensures that guests have less contact with the buffet and dining areas, further limiting the spread of germs and bacteria.

Reality: From guest lectures given by experts in diverse fields to White Night parties, spa, casino, entertainment, and our exclusive Nights in Private Places, (just to name a few), you’ll always have something to do on board. Not that you’ll spend much time there anyway—we stay longer and later in more ports than any other cruise line.

Reality: On an Azamara cruise, nightcaps, celebratory drinks, thirst-quenching suds, and tasty tipples are on us! Select standard spirits, international beers, and a changing selection of red and white wine are all included in the price of your cruise.

Reality: With dishes like beef tenderloin Carpaccio with orange oil, lobster bisque, and fresh sushi on our daily menus, every meal on an Azamara voyage is a fine dining experience. And for true foodies, our Chef’s Table dinners—complete with expert wine pairings— will introduce your taste buds to a world of flavors without even leaving the ship.

Reality: Statistics show that cruise ships are safer than most other forms of transportation! Safety is our number one priority. Our crew is highly trained in emergency procedures, and our ships are outfitted with the latest state-of-the-art, industry leading safety equipment. Not to mention, every passenger takes part in a muster drill that covers all necessary safety procedures for your voyage.

Reality: Even if you suffer from motion sickness during car rides or on airplanes, it’s unlikely you will become seasick aboard our ships. In fact, many people don’t notice any motion at all! The sheer size of our ships and specialized stabilizers are designed to give you the smoothest ride possible.

Reality: With Azamara’s Destination Immersion style of travel, there’s plenty to do for those who are both young and young at heart. For starters, we have longer and overnight stays in port, so whether you want to take part in our carefully curated Cruise Global, Connect Local℠ shore excursions or explore on your own, there’s no reason to sit still for long! Once you’re back on ship, it’s not all buffets and early bedtimes. For those looking to stay in ship shape, we offer customized personal training and Body Sculpt Boot Camps in addition to our fully equipped fitness center. And even when you want to relax, there’s plenty to inspire your mind and body, from our luxurious spa, to exciting onboard entertainment options, and so much more.

Reality: With Azamara’s Destination Immersion style of travel, you’ll get to experience every stop from a locals’ perspective. And since we spend more time in port than any other cruise line—including several overnight stays on many of our voyages—you’ll never feel like you’re trapped in one place. Plus, going on a cruise doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment—unless you want it to, of course! Azamara offers cruises as short as three nights and as long as…well that’s up to you!

Reality: From the exotic shores of the Seychelles, to the down under streets of Sydney, the remote Faroe Islands and everywhere in between, Azamara’s smaller ships mean we can go to smaller and more off-the-beaten-path ports than other cruise companies. Plus, with our bespoke Destination Immersion style of travel, you can experience each and every port like a local with optional Cruise Global, Connect Local℠ shore excursions.